: Communication using pictures, symbols or voice output devices to augment or act as an alternative to a student’s current or previous communication.

Antecedent, Behaviour and Consequence (ABC) Tracking

: A strategy often used with ABA methods or behaviour modification to record and later analyze what occurred prior to the behaviour being targeted (antecedents), the actual behaviour and the outcome/reinforcer (consequence). Consequence in ABC tracking does not usually mean the discipline measure put into place following a behaviour, unless its function is the reinforcing element to the behaviour.

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

: A systematic and individualized method of teaching, based on principles of learning and behaviour, to reduce undesirable, and increase adaptive, behaviour. The ABA process begins defining the behaviour to be changed, which is then specifically tracked with antecedents and reinforcers of the behaviour. ABC tracking sheets are often utilized, and analysis of the tracking helps to develop specific strategies to develop and shape the desired outcome. ABA can be implemented in schools by teachers and school teams.

Asperger’s Disorder (AS)

: One of the three Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), and one of the five conditions of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) category. Asperger’s is characterized by a social interaction impairment, limited or preoccupying interests and difficulty with non-verbal communication skills. Some with Asperger’s may refer to themselves as “Aspies”.

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

: A set of three diagnosed conditions within the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDDs), as indicated in the Diagnostic and Statistical/ Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-lV). While ranging in severity, these disorders all have three common characteristics: Impaired social skills; impaired verbal and nonverbal communication; and restricted/repetitive interests or behaviours. The three disorders under the ASD “umbrella” from mild to more severe are: Asperger’s Disorder; Pervasive Development Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, including Atypical (PDD-NOS); and Autistic Disorder.

Autistic Disorder

: One of the three Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) and one of the five conditions of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) category. Autistic Disorder is characterized by severe impairment in social interaction, communication (could be non-verbal) and repetitive and restrictive patterns of behaviour that are non-functional.

Echolalia

: The repetition of words of phrases, often by students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Functional Behaviour Assessment (FBA)

: An examination of the function of a student’s behaviour in an attempt to develop strategies to alter the behaviour. FBA is often utilized with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI

): A program of instruction for younger children who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). IBI is based on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to teach children, and involves twenty to forty hours per week of intervention by a trained therapist to address skills deficits and/or develop more positive behaviour.

: One of the three Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and one of the five conditions in the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV). PDD-NOS is characterized by severe and persistent impairments in social interaction skills, communication skills, with stereotypical behaviour, but which do not meet the criteria for another PDD disorder.

Policy/Program Memorandum 140 (PPM 140)

: A policy/program directive, issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education for all school boards to follow, pertaining to the teaching of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), utilizing Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). PPM 140 mandates that students with ASD be offered an individualized program, based on positive reinforcement, data collection, with the transfer of skills and transition planning.

Splinter Skills

: Well-developed skills in a specific area.

What it is

A formal exceptionality, identified by an Identification Placement and Review Committee (IPRC), in the category of Communication and a diagnosed condition.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or Autism is a diagnosis characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours/interests, that are present since a young age and persistent. In the past, subtypes of ASD like Asperger’s and Autistic Disorder were considered separate diagnoses, but the 5th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-v) removed these subtypes. Now a severity level is included with an ASD diagnosis (Level 1: Requiring support, Level 2: Requiring substantial support and Level 3: Requiring very substantial support). ASD is caused by combinations of genetic and environmental factors.